Bent, Otero county clerks retiring

Tuesday

Colorado’s departing county clerks laughed, cried and celebrated each other when the Colorado County Clerks Association held a goodbye-party for them Saturday in Metro Denver.

Among the clerks who chose not to seek re-election again were Bent County Clerk Patti Nickell, Otero County Clerk Sharon Sisnroy and Crowley County Clerk Lucile Nichols. Between them, they have almost 125 years of experience.

“Colorado is the leader in elections. I’m so proud of that,” Nickell said.

Thirty years ago, the Bent County Democratic Party knocked on Nickell's door and asked if she would run for the position of clerk or treasurer. She opted for clerk.

“Foolish me,” Nickell said to laughter. That’s because clerks are among the busiest of county officials. Some of their myriad duties include running elections, recording documents and issuing license plates.

Crowley’s Nichols, who is retiring after 46 years in the office, 24 of them as clerk, thanked the association for putting up with her speaking her mind over the years.

“I hope someone else from a little county will shake their fist,” she said. “I hope you know my heart was in the right place when I came forward with suggestions.”

Sisnroy started at the Otero County clerk’s office when she was 21 years old.

“It’s been in my blood – but it’s out of my blood now. I’m ready,” she said during the party.

Chaffee County Clerk Lori Mitchell, president of the Colorado County Clerks Association, read a letter to her departing colleagues.

“Your commitment and sacrifice to your office, staff and citizens of your county is what public service is all about,” she said. “The county clerk is the hub of the community for connection to their government, and with that came challenges, wonderful memories and a front seat for history.”

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